Love star of the night with his first triple-double.
There were eight games on the NBA schedule on Saturday night, with the Golden State Warriors picking up the win against the Brooklyn Nets with Jermaine O’Neal leading the way.
The 18-year veteran reportedly told his teammates during a player’s meeting following the All-Star break that he would play the rest of the regular season like he would never play again, and given his age and injury concerns, he might not.
With a short-handed front-court, O’Neal had a season-high 23 points and 13 rebounds to help hold off Brooklyn (25-28), which secured the Warriors (34-22) a third straight victory since the break.
“Whatever I have, I’m going to leave it on the table. I’ve said that quite a few times, but I’m dead serious,” said the 36-year-old O’Neal.
Having put up a game-saving block in a vintage performance during the win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, O’Neal appears to be backing up his words and coach Mark Jackson will be delighted with his production in the absence of Andrew Bogut and David Lee.
Meanwhile, Draymond Green scored a career-high 18 points to go with 10 rebounds, while Stephen Curry finished the night with 17 points.
Deron Williams responded with 20 points and six assists, while Joe Johnson scored 15 points, but struggling with their three-point shooting and turnovers (16), the Nets were unable to conquer the ORACLE Arena.
Elsewhere, Kevin Love secured his place as the star performer of the night with a career-first triple-double in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ win over the Utah Jazz.
Love had 37 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as he continues to light up the NBA this season, and despite missing key players he was able to step up and deliver to maintain incredible numbers individually.
“I thought at some point it would happen. I’ve been very close. Happy it was tonight and more happy we got the win,” Love said of achieving the triple-double. “This is one I’ll definitely remember.”
Minnesota coach Rick Adelman described his star as “unbelievable”, as it took just three quarters for the power forward to secure his feat.
Over in Milwaukee, the Indiana Pacers got back to winning ways after holding off the Bucks with Paul George (32 points), David West and Lance Stephenson doing enough to secure the win.
However, coach Frank Vogel will be concerned with his team’s lacklustre approach as the game reached it’s conclusion, with 30 points from Brandon Knight allowing the hosts back into the encounter despite looking dead and buried.
There is a suggestion that some complacency has crept into Indiana’s game in recent weeks, and with the Miami Heat pushing them at the top of the Eastern Conference, Vogel will be keen to see his players shake off the fatigue and get back to their ruthless streak.
NBA Results:
Memphis Grizzlies 89-92 Charlotte Bobcats
New Orleans Pelicans 93-94 Washington Wizards
New York Knicks 98-107 Atlanta Hawks
Dallas Mavericks 113-102 Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers 110-100 Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves 121-104 Utah Jazz
Boston Celtics 98-105 Sacramento Kings
Brookyln Nets 86-93 Golden State Warriors
COMMENTS